How a government debt ceiling crisis could affect future tourism

The US government has just hit the debt ceiling for the first time since 2011.

Although lawmakers have funded the federal government through the end of fiscal year 2023 in December, they are still borrowing money to fund ongoing operations through the debt ceiling.

“The federal government is like any other person with a credit card in that they limit how much they can borrow to finance extra spending, known as the debt ceiling. That’s basically to make sure the government can still fund its legal obligations,” Sarah Foster, an economics reporter for Bankrate (a publication owned by TPG’s parent company, Red Ventures), explains. “But running the world’s largest economy gives you special perks because, unlike when you hit your line of credit, Congress can keep committing to new spending.”

“When this happens, the Treasury can take ‘extraordinary measures’ to move money around and make sure the country doesn’t default,” Foster said. “But every day will feel like a ticking clock – Finance Secretary Janet Yellen estimates that she will use all her tricks to help the government avoid default by early June.”

If default this June occurs, the federal government may not expand funding for some government programs, potentially affecting travel if you want to visit national parks, families passport or Global Entry membership, etc.

Here’s what you need to know — and what you can do now to minimize the impact on your plans — if this happens.

Trusted Traveler Programs, such as Pre-check TSA and Global Entry, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This means that any funding pause could reduce the ability to process applications.

In addition, the government was faced with a backlog caused by the pandemic and is now warning of extended wait times.

Similarly, the US State Department is now telling travelers that regular passport service can take six to nine weeks, with three to five weeks for expedited service.

Potential funding issues aside, we recommend you to register and renew your Trusted Traveler membership and your US passport as soon as they’re eligible for renewal. This process can take time, and many countries will not allow you to enter when your passport is less than three months old — some even require remaining six months of validity.

In addition to application processing times, government funding delays can lead to Transportation Security Administration staff shortages at airports, which can increase wait times. for TSA Pre-Check routes at certain airports.

During the government shutdown 2018-2019 — lasting 35 days and the longest in history — flights were canceled due to staffing shortages between TSA agents and air traffic controllers. Besides, some airports close the TSA . security line.

As a federal agency under the United States Department of the Interior, United States National Park Service funded mainly by Congress.

If funding stalls, you can still enter some national parks, and some outdoor roads, observatories, trains, and memorials may still be accessible. Everything else – including essential services like visitor centers, restrooms, and educational programs in the park – is run by NPS staff and will therefore be affected.

While visiting the park during this time would technically be free, the lack of staff would make the park less safe since there are no park rangers actively monitoring the grounds without active search and rescue services.

The hotel companies have contracted to operate the hotels in the park, so in theory these hotels should remain open because they are not dependent on NPS employees.

We’ve seen third parties intervene in the past to help keep national parks running during the government shutdown. While a government shutdown is not at risk here, similar groups are likely to step in to avoid a park closure.

For example, in 2018, then-Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed an order to keep the Grand Canyon open through state revenue funding.

“The park gates are still open, but no one works at the toll booths to collect the usual $35 per car to enter the park,” as reported by The Arizona Republic.

As a result, states and private organizations, including volunteer groups, can take action to keep national parks open.

Ultimately, the decision to keep the parks open during the closure rests with the sitting president at the time of closure.

Federally funded monuments and museums in Washington, DC, will also be at risk. This includes 17 Smithsonian museums and galleries and the National Zoo, plus Memorial run by NPSsuch as the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall, which often house NPS rangers.

In the aforementioned government shutdown, The Smithsonian used the money to stay afloat until January 1, 2019, closing the park for 24 days.

bottom line

It is hoped that there will be no shortage of government related personnel in 2023. However, given the possibility of a possible staffing shortage, it is best to apply or renew. relevant government documents you may need to travel right now.

For more information on Trusted Travelers programs, read: